Daily Life: How bad does it have to get before seeking help?

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Okay, I'm not going to give any specifics this time, since last time people turned it into a pity party, and I just want effective practical advice.
Let's just say there's a hypothetical adult on the autism spectrum who is having a difficult time living independently.

So basically, I'd like to know what state of functioning, coping with life, and general lifestyle levels could be considered bad enough for a person to seek help. When is it too late for "self help" and when does it become a legitimate risk to a person's health?

Also, assume that there is no immediate "support system" available other than what you could potentially find in a phone book or online. Also assume minimal living conditions and financial situation.

Finally, it's very important that if you offer a potential solution, be as specific as you can about it. Give specific types of places as examples to seek help. How would the person effectively communicate the situation? What should the person do if people say they don't know how to help?


Extra Credit: The person could travel to the Seattle area... Also, the effort of getting around Seattle would probably be so exhausting to this hypothetical person that the person would find it nearly impossible to cope for several days afterward.

Giving specific answers, if you dont give specific details, is hardly possible.

In the end you need to be able to mangage food somehow to prevent starvation, a basic house/flat cleaning to prevent the house/flat being damaged = you getting homeless, medical supply and basic hygiene to prevent illness.

If you dont manage that, then according to the specific problems you might either need some help from now and then (communication with officials, doctors, ... an helper once a week in the household) or when you cant even do everyday tasks on your own, you will need help everyday.

Well that helped a little bit...
I recently hired a housekeeper.
I may be getting headaches from mold in the walls.

I frequently forget to eat and drink even though I have alarms set.
Is that very bad?

Well, the first thing I'll say is, if a person does not have a personal 'safety net' they need to be more proactive.

If you think you might need help, START LOOKING NOW, Problems can sneak up on you and you really cannot afford to make many mistakes if you're all alone in the world.

I'd check for non-profits in the community who provide services for disabled adults. You should be able to get some leads on google. Then you need to call and ask to see if they are a good fit for you.

Also, the United Way runs local registries for nonprofits in most areas. You could probably call them and get some good leads.

Finally, if you are enrolled for at least 6 hrs at a major university, you should have access to free primary medical care and free psychological counseling.